Indicating timer for automatic traffic signal lights



April 2, 1935, JENKINS I 1,996,111

INDICATING TIMER FOR AUTOMATIC TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS Filed April .18, 19-51 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 A35 4 1 Ta 11115 Fug M1 mg 411111 TED-Ha 59 r I Vbermosfafrc Flasher I Descqibeu/ Gearing Speed fieyu/af/ny Med 75 INVENTOR T. A. JENKINS April- 2, 1935.

INDICATING TIMER FOR AUTOMATIC TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April l8, 1931 [N VENTOR April 2, 1935. T. A. JENKIN$ 1,996,111

INDICATING TIMER FOR AUTOMATIC TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS Filed April 18, 1931 3 sheets-shet-s INVENTOR Patented Apr. 2, 1935 v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE INDICATING TIMER FOR AUTOMATIC TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS This invention relates to a precise and comprehensive means of indicating time periods or durations of illuminated traffic signal lights.

The fundamental object of this invention is to provide a means of controlling vehicular traffic whereby motorists and pedestrians will be enabled to know definitely and continuously the actual duration of each and every trafiic signal displayed.

To facilitate and exemplify the comprehensive functions and achievements of this invention the following description is deemed 'essentialz-e-Traffic signal lights that are now in general use are automatically flashed on and off for predetermined periods or durations of time. The said systems that are now in use comprise redand green signal lights and in some cases amber or caution signal lights are included. The present systems or combinations of systems have failed to produce efficient results due to the lack of adequacy in the scope of functions. The synchronized and progressive systems that are now prevalent place the conscientious motorists under a constant nervous strain. When a green signal light or go'signal is flashed, the motorist starts off with one object in view and that is to cover as many blocks as possible within the duration of the signal light. His or her nerves are at a constant tension toavoid passing a red or stop signal light. The cause of this is that they do not know when the change of lights will take place. On many occasions, wrongful accusations of recklessness are charged against conscientious motorists and in other instances, numerous cases' of skidding occur, due to sudden jamming of brakes upon seeing the signals change, with the usual wrecks and accidents the consequence.

My system comprises the usual red and green signal lights. lights is placed a housing having four faces displaying movable indicative pointers having graduated dial backgrounds, the said movable indicative pointers being under synchronous control. The indicative pointers travel progressively and make one revolution for the duration of each and every signal'light. For instance, a signal light having a predetermined time duration of twenty seconds will cause the indicative pointers to'make one revolution in twenty seconds. For a time duration of thirty seconds, the indicative pointers would make one revolution in thirty seconds. As a definite provision for the pedestrians, I propose to use a red stop signal flashed in all directions, which will cause all vehicles to stop and this will give the pedestrians a chance to Above the red and green signal' cross streets with a practical degree of safety. To distinguish the pedestrian signal from .the regular one way stop signal and also to avoid misunderstanding or guess work, an intermittent or flashing red signal light is utilized. From the 5 foregoing, it should be obvious that a system as described offers a means of providing trafiic signal systems with an ultimate high degree of efiiciency and satisfaction.

The invention accordingly consists in the unique features of mechanical and electrical accomplishments derived through the combinations of elements and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims duly stated.

The drawings that accompany this invention are of an illustrative text rather than a lineal facsimile. Therefore, it is justifiably assumed that the invention is not confined to any strict conformity with the showing in the drawings, but may be changed or modified to derive the practical and efiicient benefits as coincide with the advanced practices or accomplishments of the various arts concerned in the production or manufacture of this-invention provided of course, that such changes and modifications mark no functional departure from the salient features of the invention, as expressed in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings wherein are shown various possible embodiments of the features of this invention.

Figure 1 is a general elevation of a signal system as a whole, the'red and green or stop and go signal sections are not new but are essentially a part of this invention or system and are therefore illustrated in full.

Figure 2 is a wiring diagram.

Figure 3 is a transverse fragmentary section, taken alongline 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary section, taken along line 44 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a section, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 6.

Figure 6 is a view of coupling, as shown by characters 51 51, 58, and 58 in Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a sectional view, taken along line 1--'I of Figure 4. I 50 Figure 8 is a fragmentary section, taken along line 88 of Figure 3.

Figure 9 is a view of one step of the gearshown in Figure 10.

Figure 10 is a plan and sectional view, of dif-' segmental ferential gear train taken along line I0I0 of Figure 4. I I

Figure 11 is a fragmentary section, taken along line IIII of Figure 3.

Similar reference characters referto similar parts, throughout the different views of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings and commencing withFig. 3, a motor I is shown, having a shaft 3I and a worm 30 fixed or keyed thereon. The worm 30 actuates a worm gear I00. The worm gear I00 is fastened to shaft IOI. Shaft IOI has a miter or bevel gear I02, shown more clearly in Fig. I I, fastened thereto. The miter or bevel gear I02 actuates miter or bevel gear I03. Miter or bevel gear I03 isfastened to shaft I04. Shaft I04, at the end opposite that on which miter or bevel gear I03 is fastened, has av worm' I05 fastened thereto. Worm I05 actuates worm gear shown more clearly-in. Fig. 4. Worm gear 45 is fastened to sleeve 59, as shown in Fig.

Reference will now be-directed to Fig. 4. The gear combination thus, far described performs the function .of' reducing-the initial speed 'of the motor I and causes the; worm gear 45 to rotate one revolution in a period of time-equivalent to a cycle, or in other words the total predetermined period of time utilized in displaying each and every signal comprising the system, consecutively for one measure of time. Sleeve 59 has fastened thereto in complementary form, segment gears 42, 43 and 44. Gears 42, 43 and 44 are stepped one above the other and arranged "in' complementary .form.

Each gear has a number, of teeth equivalent to a segment of a pitch circle and each segment of teeth is equivalent to a respective time ratio of the various lights comprising the system. Sleeve 59 rotates freely on shaft 60. Gears 41, 63 and 64 are idlers and serve to'form mesh with gears 49, and 5I, in their respective relation. Gear 41 rotates on pin 55. Gears 63 and 64 rotate on pin 56. Gears 42,43 and 44 and the respective gears meshing therewith, are separated by yokes 48, 52, 53 and 54. Gears 65, 46, 49, 50 and 5I, are fastened to shaft I I4. Gear H is fastened to shaft and meshes with gear 46. Parts 51, 58, 51 and 58', form couplings for connecting respective shafts. Gear 42, meshes thru idler gear 41, with gear 49 which has a total number of teeth equivalent to the number of teeth in the segment 42.

' Gear 43 meshes through idler gear 63, with gear 50 which has a total number of teeth equivalent to the number of teeth in the segment 43. Gear 44 meshes through idler gear-64, with gear 5| which has a total num ber of teeth equivalent to the number of teeth in segment 44.

A plan view of the segments 42,43 and 44 arranged in complementary form, are more clearly shown in Fig. I0. It is obvious that if segment 42 has twelve teeth and mesheswith gear 49, which correspondingly would have I2 teeth; a radial movement equivalent to segment 42 would cause shaft 4 to rotate one revolution. As segment 42 runs out of mesh with gear 49, segment '43 immediately. meshes through idler 63, with.

. to be noted that worm gear 45, which controls the movement of the complementary arranged segments 42, 43 and 44, rotates at a constant uncial switch 8, as shown in Fig. 3.

varying speed. Therefore, the segmental movement of eighteen teeth, would correspondingly take'longer to complete its movement than thesegment 42 having only twelve teeth. Segment 44 would function the same as segments 42 and 43. Every time that gear 49, 50 or 5| makes a revolution, gear 46 makes a revolution. Gear 46 meshes with gear 4 Iv which has a number of teeth equivalent to the number of teeth in gear 46. Therefore when gear 46 makes one revolution, gear 4| makes one revolution. Note that a gear segment is required for eachand every. signal change. Gear 65 is fastened to shaft H4 and therefore make one revolution, every time that gear 46 makes one revolution. Gears 66 and 68 are fastened to shaft H5. Gear 65 meshes with gear 66.- Gear 68 meshes with gear 93 through sprocket or roller chain 86, as shown in Fig. 3.

. Fig. 3,. gear 93 is fastened to shaft I24. Shaft I 24 has an electric contact arm fastened thereto.

The said contact arm is a part of a commercial surface or rotary snap switch 8. The contact arm rotates with shaft I24 and passes through contact blades, which opens and closes electric circuits respectively, thereby changing the various traffic signal lights comprising the system. There will be'as many contacts in the switch as there are signal changes in one cycle ofoperation. The commercial switch 8 can be of the single or double pole construction. I

Fig. 4, gear 65meshes with gear 66 and the ratio of teeth will be one'for gear 65 to a number equivalent .to the number of contacts in commer- The arrangements shown in Fig. 4 are for three changes, therefore, the ratio of teeth for gears 65 and 66 will be one tooth in gear 65 to every three in gear 66. Obviously,'when gear 65 has made one revolution, gear 66 has only made one third of a revolution, which is equivalent to a movement from one contact to another. The switch 8 as shown in Fig. 3, is actually a rotary snap switch and the action of such switches are instantaneous, in opening and closing the circuits These facts are mentioned as an emphasis on practicability. I Gear I I8 of Fig. 4, is fastened to shaft 9|, which in turn is fastened to shaft 60 through coupling 51 and 58.

Fig. 7, gear H8 is in mesh with gears H9, H9, H9" and "9" through sprocket chain I22. Gears 9, H9, H9" and 9' are fastened to shafts H3, H3, H3" and 3'. Shafts H3, H3, H3" and Il3" are aligned and fastened to 'shaft 29 and similar subsequent shafts, through coupling III and H2 and similar subsequent couplings, as shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 8, shaft 29 and similar subsequent shafts have fastened at the end opposite that on which is fastened coupling unit III and similar subsequent coupling units gear 21 and similar subsequent gears gear 21 and similar subsequent gears, mesh .withgear '26 and similar subsequent gears. Gear 26 and similar subsequent gears, are fastened to one end of shaft 24 and similar subsequent shafts. Shaft 24 and similar subsequent shafts, have fastened on end opposite that on which gear 26 and similar subsequent gears are fastened, indicative pointer 22 and similar subsequent pointers.

It is obvious, that when gear II8 as shown in Figs. 4 and 7, rotates it will cause gears H9. H9. I I9' and II9 to rotate, which in turn will cause gear 27 and similar subsequent gears to rotate, which in turn will cause gear 26 and similar subsequent gears to rotate, which in turnwill cause indicative pointer 22 and similar subsequent pointers to rotate through-the shaft 24 and similar subsequent shafts.

Upon analyzing the direction'of rotation of the gears H9, H9, H9" and H9, it is obvious that the direction of rotation is the same for all said elements. tion of pointer 22 and similar subsequent pointers will be similar, as is obvious by tracing the respective movements of gear 21 and similar subsequent gears and gear 26 and similar subsequent gears. Accordingly, the general result will be, that pointer 22 and similar subsequent pointers, will synchronously movein similar direction of rotation.

See Figs. 4, 9 and 10. Fig. 4, the complemen tary arranged segmental gears 42, 43 and 44, are essentialwhen the ratio of the time duration of the series of signal lights that comprise the system are other than one to one, or one to one to one and so on. When the ratio of the time duration of the series of signal lights that comprise the signal system, are one to one, or one to one to one-and so on, the segmental gears 42, 43 and 44; idler gears 41, 63 and 64; gears 49, 50 and 5I; pins 55 and 56; yokes 48, 52, 53 and 54 and sleeve 59 are eliminated from the system.

In the arrangement with the aforesaid mentioned items or parts eliminated, the worm gear 45 would be keyed or fixed to shaft 66. The ratio of the number of teeth in gear 4|, to that of gear 46, would result as follows:-The ratio of the number of teeth in gear 4| to that of gear 46, would be one for gear 4 I, to a number correspond ing to the number of signal changes comprising the signal system. In other words, if the system comprised a time period or duration for the red or stop signal light and a time period for the green or go signal light and then a period of time for the intermittent red or pedestrian signal displayed in all directions, then the gear 4I would have one tooth to every three teeth in gear 46.

It is obvious that the time ratio of this system remains fixed. The cycle or time period of the combined signal changes, can be changed by retarding the speed of the motor 1, as shown in Fig. 3, by adding resistance'in the electric circuit controlling the motor. Another means of effecting a change in the cycle is by changing the ratios of any or allof the reduction gears 30, I66,

Fig. 3; I02, H13 Fig. 11; I05 Fig. 3 and 45 of Fig.4.

When the time periods of the various signal lights comprising the system, have ratios other than one to one; one to one to one or the like and a change in the ratios is desired and the new ratios are other than one to one, it is necessary to change the complementary arranged segmental gears 42, 43 and 44 and the idler and other gears co-incidental therewith. The change may be effected by replacing the respective gears, or by removing the assembled unit and replacing with another assembled unit. Shaft 66 and shaft H4 of Fig.4, with all the component parts thereof, can be removed and a new assembled unit with its essential component parts placed in their stead. To effect this change it will be necessary to remove bolts 16 and 16". Then remove spacing plate 14, then lift or remove bearing plate 15. Now retaining plates 13 and 13 and screws 12, 12', 12" and 12' as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, must be removed. This allows thelifting of shaft H5 with its component parts. Now shafts 60 and ll4of Fig. 4, with their component parts including the I coupling units 61 and 51' can be removed and a new assembly placed in its stead.

Consequently the direction of rota- Fig. 1, character I is a globe covering the electric lamp 2. The electric lamp 2 serves the purpose of illuminating the indicative pointer 22 and similar subsequent pointers at night. It will also serve an added purpose of providing street illumination and in performing the later service the item of added expense is avoided.

Fig. 2, is a wiring diagram in general. Characters 4 and 5 are a lineal expression of the exterior wall, of the stop and go signal lamp housings. Characters 4, 4", 5' and 5" are lineal expressions of divid ng walls or compartments of the stop and go signal lamp housings. The purpose of said wall or partitionis to eliminate the necessity of providing an additional housing to effect the intermittent flashing in all directions of the red or stop signal light, which is for the convenience of pedestrians. Where the intermittent flashing red or stop pedestrian signals are not required or desired, the walls or partitions 4', 4", 5 and 5" would be eliminated. Character 6 designates a commercial flasher which may be of the thermostatic type and serves the purpose, of causing the four way red or stop signal light to flicker. Character 1 is a commercial motor. Character 8 designates a commercial surface or rotary electric snap switch which effects the various changes of signal lights.

Fig. 2, character 2 designates the lamp used for illuminating the indicative pointer 22 and s milar subsequent pointers as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, character I1 indicates the circuit controlling the lamp 2. Character I9 is a switch controlling the lamp 2. I It is obvious, that the circuit I1 is independent of the circuit supplying the trafiic lights with current Character 9 is the contact arm of the commercial switch 8. Characters I6, H and I 2, are the contacts in the rotary snap switch 8 and are for the purpose of effecting changes in the signal lights of the system. Characters I6 and 56 indicate the main circuit, supplying current to the trafiic light system. Characters 98 and 96 indicate the circuit supplying current to the motor and as is obvious, it is independent of the other circuits. Character I44 is a switch. Characters I3I, I32, I35, I36, I31 and I38 are electric lamps'or illuminating elements.

It is my intention to build or construct the main housing 3, of my system so as to be used in conjunction with traffic signal housings existing and to conform to lines presenting a practical appearance. When this condition is not essential or desirable, an entire new series of signal housings will be built or constructed.

Fig. 3, character 34 designates a removable wall or plate to allow ready access to segmental gears 42, 43 and 44, as shown in Fig. 4. Character designates a wall, which forms an integral part of plate 80. The unoccupied space enclosed by the elements 34 and B0 is to be utilized for packing grease or other lubricating material, for the gears and movable elements within-said enclosure. Characters I1 and I1 indicate leads of the electric circuit controlling the lamp 2, as shown in Fig. 1. Characters 61 and 94, indicate leads of the electric circuit controlling the thermostatic flasher unit 6. Characters 96 and 91 indicate leads connecting to respective contacts of rotary snap switch 8. Character I6 indicates lead to rotary arm 9, of rotary snap switch 8. Characters 98 and 98' indicate leads to the electric motor 1. Character 11 indicates one of several similar subsequent bolts, that fasten motor 1 to supporting plate 39. Character 2| is one of several similar subsequent retaining face plates, used lar subsequent shafts.

. tive units.

for retaining glass lens 39 and other similar subsequent glass lenses. Character 23 is one of several similar subsequent dials. Character 18 is one of several similar subsequent bolts, used to fasten motor supporting plate 89 to the housing as designated by character 3. Fig. 8, character I01 is one of several similar subsequent supporting brackets, used to support shaft 29 and other simi- Character I08 is one of several screws used to fasten supporting bracket I01 and other similar subsequent brackets to dial plate 23 and other similar subsequent dial plates. Character I06 is one of several supporting collars, used to support the ends of shaft 24 and other similar subsequent shafts. Character 31 is one of several similar subsequent removable plates, used to close one of several similar subsequent grease chambers as indicated by character 36. Fig. 11, character I45 is a supporting collar used to supportthe end of shaft I04. Character I23 is a bearing block used to support the shaft I04. Fig. 4, characters 6| and 62 and Fig. 8,. character I09 indicate index dials. Fig. 8, character I09 indicates one of several similar subsequent index dials. Character IIO indicates one of several similar subsequent index marks. The index dials andmarks thus mentioned or described, have corresponding graduated dashes, numbers or characters or the like, that co-incide in respective relation and are for the purpose of facilitating assemblies and avoiding the possibility of causing a non-synchronous operation of the system, orin other words eliminate guess work. Fig. 11, char acters 89' and 80' form integral parts of respec:

Fig. 10, characters H6 and H1 designate keys or means of fastening respective gears to shafts or sleeves as the case may be. Fig. 4, characters 84 and 85 are one of several similar subsequent spacing collars, used to suspend or support plates 80; 8| and 89. Fig. '1,character I21 is a grease or lubricant packing chamber.

Fig. 1, character 20 and Fig. 3 character 25, are screws or like means for fastening. Fig. 3, characters 32, 33 and 40 are walls or the like, forming grease chambers. ment or means for supporting sprocket chain, as shown by character 86 Fig. 3. Fig. 4, characters 61, H, 90 and 99, are spacing collars or the like. Fig. 4, characters 10 and 82 are washers or the like. Fig. 4, character 92 is a shaft or pin, that is fastened to coupling unit 58. Fig. 3, characters I25 and I26 are chambers for packing grease.

An explanation, of the functions of the wiring arrangements as shown in Fig. 2, followsz-Feed wires are indicated at I6 and I 6'. .With rotary snap switch arm 9, in contact with point I2, current will flow through wire 91' and 91A and cause elements I 38; I31 and I32 to become-illuminated. Element I32, illuminates a green or go signal; while elements I38 and I31 illuminate red or stop signals. The circuitfor element I32, is through point U; switch element V and point W.

With rotary snap switch arm 9, in contact with point II, current will flow through wire 96 and 96A, which will cause elements I38; I35 and I3I to become illuminated. Element I 3|, illuminates a green or go signal; while e1ements I36 and I35 illuminate red or stop signals. The circuit for element I3'I, is through point X; switch'element Y and point Z.

When rotary snap switch arm 9, forms contact with point I0, current will. flow through line 94; solenoid I41 and line 94A. When current is passedthrough solenoid I41; plunger P,.which carries switch elements V and Y, will move said Fig. 4, character 69 is an eleswitch elements away from contact with points U; W and X; Z. Switch element V, will then form 1 contact with points R and Q and switch element Y, will form contact with points R and. Q. When contact ismade through switch elements V and Y, at points R; Q and R';-Q', elements I38; I31; I36 and I35, will become illuminated. These four elements, will illuminate red orstop signals.

The current that illuminates elements I 38; I31

I36 and I35, passes through a lthermostatic flasher 6 and causes said elements to flashon and off in rapid succession, the frequency of which,'will be predetermined. When current stops flowing through solenoid I41, the spring S, pulls plunger P, with switch elements V and Y against points U; W and X; -Z. 1

Numeral 1, is a motor, which controls the mechanism of the system. Incorporated in said motor circuit, is speed regulating means; Motor 1, actuates described gearing, which in turn, actuates rotary snap switch arm 9, causing same to rotate segmentally, in sequential order and make contact for predetermined periods of time, with the several traflic light circuits embodied in the system.

from the motor at constant speed, a plurality of segment gears on said motor driven shaft ar ranged offset in complementary form on the shaft, a plurality of gear sets all connected with said arm driving shaft and arranged so that each segmental gear cooperates with a corresponding gear set, such cooperation between the adjacent elements occurring in succession, and which arm driving shaft will make one rotation for each engagement of a said gear set with a said segment gear, a set of trafllc signals, and a switch device driven from said arm driving shaft to cause a change of signals for each rotation of said driving shaft whereby the arms will make a full dial rotation for each signal duration period.

2. In a traffic signal a casing provided with a plurality of dials, an arm rotatably mounted to traverse each dial, a driving shaft connected with all said arms to cause them to operate in synchronism, a constant speed motor, a shaft driven from the motor at constant speed, a plurality of segment'gears on said motor driven shaft arranged oifset in complementary form on the Fig. '1, characters I20 and I2I are keys or means shaft, a plurality of gear setsall connected with said arm driving shaft and arranged so that eachshaft and of the arms will be efl'ected at different frelative time durations, a set of trafiic signals,

and a switchdevice driven from said arm driving 'ing segment, and said rotations of the driving shaft to cause a change of signals for each rotationof said arm driving shaft whereby the arms will make a full dial rotation for each signal of different duration period.

3. In a traflic signal, a casing provided'with a plurality of dials, an armrotatably mounted to traverse each dial, a motor, a driving sleeve, gear connections between said driving sleeve and said motor, a plurality of segment gears fast on said driving sleeve, a driven shaft, gears connecting said driven shaft with said dial arms to cause a single rotation of all of the arms froma single rotation of the driven shaft, a set of gears fast on said shaft, a series of yokes apertured at each end and engaging the said sleeve and shaftrespectively and separating the gear sets, each composed of one segment gear and one corresponding sleeve gear, an idler gear on each yoke each engaging one said segment gear and one said sleeve gear, a set of traflic signals, a switch device actuated from said driven shaft to operate a single different signal at each rotation of the driven shaft, said segment gears being mounted on said sleeve in complementary-form and being designed relative to said sleeve gears respectively whereby each segment gear will turn the driven shaft one revolution, whereby the signal will have a certain duration period for a constant speed imparted to the said driving sleeve,

4. In a traffic signal, a casing provided with a I ferent duration.

plurality of dials, an arm rotatably mounted to traverse each dial, a motor, a driving sleeve, gear connections between said driving sleeve and said motor, a plurality of segment gears fast on said sleeve, a driven shaft, gears connecting said driven shaft with said dial arms to cause a single rotation of all of the arms from a single rotation of the driven shaft, a set of gears fast on said driven shaftof difierent number of teeth, a series of yokes apertured at each end and engaging the said sleeve and shaft respectively and separating the gear sets, each composed of one segment gear.-

different duration for ,the respective segments whereby the signals will have different duration periods for a constant speed imparted to the said driving sleeve, and the arms will make a full dial rotation for each signal period of dif- THOMAS A. JENKINS. 

